As with your property, if you provide an opening to a crook he/she will take it. For example, you take a couple of hundred dollars out of the ATM in front of a number of people on a busy footpath. You openly place the money in your purse and then walk off. As your walking you see in the corner of your eye someone following you. You duck down a side alley which has no pedestrian traffic or proper lighting. The footsteps behind you are getting louder and seem to be getting faster, you want to run but your arthritis won't allow it. You know there is a lot of money in your bag, you need it to pay rent. What would you do without it? How will you survive the week? What will happen if you get robbed? At this point it would be fair to say that you are feeling more than anxious. But the scenario does not need to play out as long as you are aware of some simple points such as - Personal Safety Banking It is a sad fact that criminals target people who they consider vulnerable, so it is important to ensure you have taken every precaution to reduce the chance of being targeted. Remember you can Dob in a Druggie any time you like by contacting Nowra/Ulladulla Police or ringing Crime Stoppers. Do not drink and drive. As always, in case of an emergency call 000. In non-emergencies call the Policelink on 131 444 or your local police station. To provide anonymous information call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. For domestic and family violence information, visit www.police.nsw.gov.au. For Shoalhaven Domestic Violence officers call 4421 9666 or 4421 9665 or email shoaldvlo@police.nsw.gov.au. Don't forget, cops are tops. Read more: Crime/Court

On The Beat | Friday, July 12

As with your property, if you provide an opening to a crook he/she will take it.

For example, you take a couple of hundred dollars out of the ATM in front of a number of people on a busy footpath.

You openly place the money in your purse and then walk off.

As your walking you see in the corner of your eye someone following you.

You duck down a side alley which has no pedestrian traffic or proper lighting.

The footsteps behind you are getting louder and seem to be getting faster, you want to run but your arthritis won't allow it.

You know there is a lot of money in your bag, you need it to pay rent.

What would you do without it?

How will you survive the week?

What will happen if you get robbed?

At this point it would be fair to say that you are feeling more than anxious.

But the scenario does not need to play out as long as you are aware of some simple points such as -

Personal Safety

Keep cash and valuables to a minimum.

Always keep your personal belongings close to your body and never leave them unattended.

If someone does attempt to take your property, don't resist.

Have your keys ready before you get to your home or car..

Be aware of your surroundings.

Banking

Vary the routine of your banking: days, times and branches.

Protect your password and PIN.

Don't display cash in public.

Never carry large sums of money.

It is a sad fact that criminals target people who they consider vulnerable, so it is important to ensure you have taken every precaution to reduce the chance of being targeted.

Remember you can Dob in a Druggie any time you like by contacting Nowra/Ulladulla Police or ringing Crime Stoppers. Do not drink and drive. As always, in case of an emergency call 000. In non-emergencies call the Policelink on 131 444 or your local police station. To provide anonymous information call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. For domestic and family violence information, visit www.police.nsw.gov.au. For Shoalhaven Domestic Violence officers call 4421 9666 or 4421 9665 or email shoaldvlo@police.nsw.gov.au.